Think plastic surgery is a relatively new development? Think the ancients of cosmetic surgery refer to Joan Rivers and Dick Clark? Not even close. As a matter of fact, written evidence dates attempts at reconstructive facial surgery as far back 800 B.C. India. The Renaissance and Enlightenment periods in Europe, the United States and others boast a number of medical practitioners that contributed to cosmetic and reconstructive enhancements, and during World War I plastic surgery forged new grounds in medicine as doctors were forced to come up with innovative ways to treat facial disfigurements caused by new war weapons.

Cosmetic Surgery Today

Of course plastic surgery for cosmetic purposes isn't new either, but never has it reached as many patients as it does presently. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) over 8.7 million cosmetic procedures were performed in 2003, and the 2004 final tally is expected to be higher yet. Behind these record numbers is heightened media attention, reality-TV makeover shows, and a wider public acceptance. But while a straighter nose or a more defined chin can give you a healthier self-esteem, cosmetic surgeries carry with them possible risks and complications that could pose problems for the uninformed patient.

Questions To Ask your Doctor

Ultimately, the patient must trust the operating surgeon, and feel comfortable that he or she will be available after surgery to help with any questions that may arise. The more you know about your surgeon's ability and experience, the better chance you will have of successful surgery. Some basic questions to ask include:

• What is your medical background, including training, education, certification, and affiliations?
• How extensive is your experience with my procedure?
• What complications have you encountered in the past and how did you handle them?
• What risks should I expect?
• What results should I expect?
• Is there anything about my medical history or lifestyle that could affect the outcome of my surgery?
• Is there an age restriction for my procedure? (for most cosmetic procedures patients must be at least 18)

Things To Remember

Cosmetic Surgery is elective. Most patients spend months or years researching and interviewing different doctors before they finally decide on surgery. Take your time and find a surgeon that is right for you.

Expectations

In 2003 the top 6 cosmetic surgeries were rhinoplasty (nose job), liposuction, breast augmentation, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), face-lift, and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). All of these can help patients re-contour or reshape their appearance, but expecting surgery to completely change your life or take the place of exercise and attention to diet is simply unrealistic. Surgery is a final option when no other is available. For patients that expect to undergo excessive weight loss, weight gain, or expect to become pregnant, waiting to have surgery (especially surgery of the abdomen or body) is usually a good choice.

Choosing Your Surgeon

For patients that are educated, know what to expect of their surgery before going under the knife, and know how to prepare for recovery, surgery usually poses less of a threat and, sometimes, undesirable results can even be avoided. Like most plastic surgeons, Dr. Sam Speron of Chicago believes that patients who come from his Web site or are referred by former patients are usually better prepared for surgery. From there he says it us up to the doctor, and each surgeon has a different way of educating their patient. Dr. Speron schedules a 1-hour initial consultation, gives them educational information, and shows them before and after photos. Dr. Mordcai Blau of New York gives out a 25-page booklet that is personalized for each patient. Many others use similar techniques including informative DVD's and Internet presentations.

Choose The Clinic

Most cosmetic surgeries are performed as outpatient procedures in a doctor's office or surgical facility. Many such facilities will include different amenities including soothing music and a laid-back environment to help you relax. Some patients that are undergoing more intense surgery or require additional care may have inpatient surgery in a hospital with a stay of a few days.

Consultation

The consultation is one of the most important ways to prepare for your surgery. Not only should you make sure that you get all of your questions about surgery and the results answered, you should also take this time to get all the necessary information about what steps to take to ensure a speedy recovery. Besides gathering information, it is also time set aside for you to become comfortable with your doctor and the doctor's staff.

Communicate

Though our society has become more open about sharing its cosmetic enhancement experiences, many people feel uncomfortable telling others about their surgery. At the very least you should have a spouse, close friend, or relative that will be able to assist you during recovery and knows all of the steps involved in the surgery and recovery process. Because you will probably be sore and heavily medicated directly following surgery, you may be unable to remember or execute these necessary steps. Having a back-up memory and a physically able body is essential, not to mention the emotional support. This person should be with you for the consultation and throughout surgery, and the lines of communication should be open between you, your doctor, and your support group.

Know The Risks

Cosmetic surgeries like breast augmentation and liposuction are major surgeries and can take up to 4 hours to perform, sometimes longer if multiple procedures are combined. Like any surgery there are rare but possible risks involved. Some of these include:

• Infection
• Blood clots
• Reaction to anesthesia
• Hypothermia
• Nerve damage

Of course each surgery carries with it its own possible risks. Following a breast augmentation, for example, an implant could rupture causing silicone or saline leakage and liposuction can cause blood vessels to burst, leaving permanently discolored skin. With non-surgical procedures like chemical peels or Botox injections the risks are less serious, usually posing aesthetic problems and not health risks. Your doctor will be able to give you a list of procedure specific risks prior to surgery.

Surgery Costs

The costs of surgery vary depending on the doctor and location of the practice. A tummy tuck in New York will cost more than it would in Davenport, Iowa. Minor procedures can be as low as a few hundred dollars while an extensive facelift can be as high as $10,000 or more after anesthesia and facility costs are considered.

Quality Over Cost

Smart shoppers are always taught to ask the question "where can I find it cheaper?" But shopping for a new chin is not like shopping for a new pair of pants. Sure, you will probably have the opportunity to find a cheaper nose job, some practices will even advertise lower pricing, and sometimes this is a wonderful option; and sometimes it's not. Being comfortable with your doctor and staff, and having the knowledge that they will be available post-surgery is a lot more comforting than the knowledge that you saved a couple hundred bucks. Keep in mind that most complications can be corrected with relative ease, but if your doctor isn't available a minor complication can turn into a serious health risk.

Take Your Time

Don't forget that most people will take 6 months or more before they are ready for surgery. Doctors are use to patients that take their time before going in for surgery. Make sure you have weighed all of your options before deciding upon surgery.

Anesthesia

Most surgeries are performed under general anesthesia, which means you will be asleep for the entire surgery. In some instances general anesthesia is not necessary. In these cases your doctor will use local anesthesia to numb the area that will be operated on, and administer a sedative that will leave you awake but completely relaxed.

Afterwards

Patients that have undergone major surgery and just awoken from the effects of anesthesia feel groggy and are usually uncomfortable and could be in a great deal of pain. Some patients that receive fat injections in their face to remove the appearance of wrinkles are vibrant and ready to return to their daily routine immediately after leaving the doctor's office. The levels of post procedure comfort vary between these two extremes. However, if you have recently had surgery chances are you will find a closer connection to the first example.

Recovery

Recovery is more than just feeling better after surgery and getting back to daily events: the recovery process can greatly effect the results of surgery. Diet, exercises, medication, massaging the incision site or treating it with skin cream can potentially help your body heal and offer better results. Make sure to ask your doctor what you can do to help optimize the results of surgery. Recovery is a process. Accept that you will only be able to return to normal life gradually. Treat your body right and it will thank you.